Modular compactable prefabricated structure

ABSTRACT

A modular compactable prefabricated structure has front and back folding modules. The front module has a quadrangular bottom with front, intermediate, right-hand and left-hand sides. A folding front wall is hinged to the front side of the bottom of the front module. The back module has a quadrangular bottom with back, intermediate, right-hand, and left-hand sides. A folding back wall is hinged to the back side of the bottom of the back module. The intermediate side of the bottom of the front module is suitable for going in contact with the intermediate side of the bottom of the back module and no wall is connected in the intermediate sides of the front module and of the back module in such a way that the prefabricated structure has a continuous space between the front wall and the back wall.

The present invention relates to a modular compactable prefabricated structure.

The field of reference is the prefabricated building sector, in particular the one of folding structures composed of a set of hinged elements that can be compacted in minimum volume configuration during transportation and developed in full volume configuration during use.

In the present description the word “module” refers to a folding structure suitable for creating a prefabricated structure.

Prefabricated buildings can be divided into three macro-categories, the first one being the provision of a set of walls suitable for being connected being transported to the place where the prefabricated structure is to be realized; in this first type, the connection means need to be transported to the place of installation, where the operators will connect the walls in vertical or horizontal position according to the layout.

A second type provides for installing modular housing units that are produced in the factory and are not compactable. The transportation of said non-compactable modular housing units is extremely complicated, requires special permissions and involves high transportation costs.

A third type uses a folding/unfolding technique for the realization of the prefabricated structure. The third type comprises a plurality of hinged walls that can be moved between a folded position, in minimum volume configuration, to an unfolded position, in full volume configuration. Generally speaking, folding modules usually comprise three hinged walls, namely a bottom and two lateral walls, which define a housing unit with prismatic shape and substantially triangular section, once they are unfolded. Advantageously, in said third type, the modules are completely produced at the manufacturing company, and they are simply moved from the minimum volume configuration to the full volume configuration in the place of installation.

DE1171329B discloses a collapsible container comprising a bottom, a front folding wall and a back folding wall that are hinged to the bottom. Said container has an upper wall hinged to the front wall and to the back wall and two lateral walls. Each lateral wall has a fixed part and a mobile part. The mobile part of the lateral wall is composed of a single panel. Moreover, an intermediate element that connects the two lateral walls is not provided. Such a container is not modular and cannot be used to realize a prefabricated structure.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,952A and FR1484761A disclose a capsule-unit housing comprising multiple folding modules. Each module comprises a bottom and a front folding wall and a back folding wall that are hinged to the bottom. Therefore, a prefabricated structure obtained by placing two modules side by side is not provided with a continuous space from the front of the first module to the back of the second module. Said documents do not disclose lateral walls that are integral with the housing unit. Said modules are cumbersome and cannot be transported by means of road transportation because the bottom connected to the front wall and the back wall is excessively long and does not fit in a means of road transportation.

The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by disclosing a modular compactable prefabricated structure that is extremely rapid to install and logistically effective.

An additional purpose of the present invention is to disclose a modular compactable prefabricated structure that is inexpensive and easy to make.

A further purpose of the present invention is to disclose a modular compactable prefabricated structure that is suitably configured not to have any shape constraint, so that it can have various configurations in terms of size and shape along the three dimensions in order to comply with the national and international technical standards.

These purposes are achieved according to the invention with the characteristics of the appended independent claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments appear from the dependent claims.

The modular compactable prefabricated structure of the invention is defined by the independent claims.

For the sake of clarity, the description of the modular compactable prefabricated structure according to the invention continues with reference to the appended drawings, which have a merely illustrative, not limiting value, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a set of axonometric views of a first embodiment of a modular compactable prefabricated structure, from a minimum volume configuration to a full volume configuration;

FIG. 1A is an axonometric view of the modular compactable prefabricated structure of FIG. 1 in minimum volume configuration;

FIG. 1B is an axonometric view of the modular compactable prefabricated structure of FIG. 1 in full volume configuration;

FIG. 1C is a sectional view of the modular compactable prefabricated structure taken along the sectional plane I-I of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 2 is a set of axonometric views of a second embodiment of a modular compactable prefabricated structure, from a minimum volume configuration to a full volume configuration;

FIG. 2A is an axonometric view of the modular compactable prefabricated structure of FIG. 2 in minimum volume configuration;

FIG. 2B is an axonometric view of the modular compactable prefabricated structure of FIG. 2 in full volume configuration;

FIG. 2C is a sectional view of the modular compactable prefabricated structure taken along the sectional plane II-II of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3 is a set of axonometric views of a third embodiment of a modular compactable prefabricated structure, from a minimum volume configuration to a full volume configuration;

FIG. 3A is an axonometric view of the modular compactable prefabricated structure of FIG. 3 in minimum volume configuration;

FIG. 3B is an axonometric view of the modular compactable prefabricated structure of FIG. 3 in full volume configuration;

FIG. 3C is a sectional view of the modular compactable prefabricated structure taken along the section plane III-III of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 4 is a set of axonometric views of a fourth embodiment of a modular compactable prefabricated structure, from a minimum volume configuration to a full volume configuration;

FIG. 4A is an axonometric view of the modular compactable prefabricated structure of FIG. 4 in minimum volume configuration;

FIG. 4B is an axonometric view of the modular compactable prefabricated structure of FIG. 4 in full volume configuration;

FIG. 5 is a set of axonometric views of a fifth embodiment of a modular compactable prefabricated structure, from a minimum volume configuration to a full volume configuration;

FIG. 6 is a set of axonometric views of a sixth embodiment of a modular compactable prefabricated structure, from a minimum volume configuration to a full volume configuration;

FIG. 7 is a set of axonometric views of a seventh embodiment of a modular compactable prefabricated structure, from a minimum volume configuration to a full volume configuration;

FIG. 8 is an axonometric view of the modular compactable prefabricated structure of FIG. 2 comprising two modules that can be connected one with the other.

With reference to the appended figures, a modular compactable prefabricated structure (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7) is disclosed.

The modular compactable prefabricated structure comprises a front module (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7) and a back module (M1′, M2′, M3′, M4′, M5′, M6′, M7′). In FIG. 8 a front module (M2) is separated from a back module (M2′)

The front module and the back module are of folding type and have a substantially planar shape when the module is closed, in such a way to be easily transported by a means of transportation (truck, ship, train, etc.), and a parallelepiped shape when the module is opened.

The prefabricated structure can be used for housing purposes, for first aid purposes in case of earthquakes or other natural disasters, for entertainment purposes, or for booths in trade shows or sports events.

The module can be made of wood, plastic material, metal or glass.

In the following description the terms “front” and “back” will refer to elements that are respectively disposed on the front and on the back of the prefabricated structure, whereas the terms “right-hand” and “left-hand” will refer to elements that are respectively disposed in a “right-hand” or “left-hand” position relative to an observer that enters the prefabricated structure through an entrance provided on the front of the prefabricated structure.

With reference to the appended figures, the front module comprises a quadrangular bottom (1) comprising a front side (11), an intermediate side (17), a right-hand side (15) and a left-hand side (16).

The back module comprises a bottom (1′), an intermediate side (17′), a right-hand side (15′), a left-hand side (16′) and a back side (12).

The front module and the back module comprise a horizontal upper wall (2, 2′) with quadrangular shape. The horizontal upper wall (2) of the front module comprises a front side (21), an intermediate side, a right-hand side and a left-hand side (not shown in the appended drawings). The horizontal upper wall (2′) of the back module comprises an intermediate side, a back side (22), a right-hand side and a left-hand side.

Furthermore, the front module comprises a front folding wall (3) that connects the front side (11) of the bottom (1) with the front side (21) of the horizontal upper wall (2). The back module comprises a back folding wall (3′) that connects the back side (12) of the bottom (1′) with the back side (22) of the horizontal upper wall (2).

The front module comprises:

lower front hinging means (13) that connect the front wall (3) with the front side (11) of the bottom (1) and have an axis of rotation parallel to the front side (11) of the bottom (1); and

upper front hinging means (23) that connect the front wall (3) with the front side (21) of the horizontal upper wall (2) and have an axis of rotation parallel to the front side (21) of the horizontal upper wall (2);

The back module comprises:

lower back hinging means (13′) that connect the back wall (3′) with the back side (12) of the bottom (1′) and have an axis of rotation parallel to the back side (12) of the bottom (1′); and

upper back hinging means (23′) that connect the back wall (3′) with the back side (22) of the horizontal upper wall (2′) and have an axis of rotation parallel to the back side (22) of the horizontal upper wall (2′).

The front module and the back module are disposed one in front of the other, in such a way that the intermediate sides of the bottom and of the horizontal upper wall are in contact one with the other.

The hinging means (13, 13′, 23, 23′) are configured in such a way that each front module and each back module can be:

in a minimum volume configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, wherein the front wall (3) and the back wall (3′) are folded and closed, and the horizontal upper wall (2,2′) is moved closer to the corresponding bottom (1, 1′); and

in a full volume configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 B, 2B, 3B, 4B, wherein the front wall (3) and the back wall (3′) are unfolded, and said horizontal upper wall (2, 2′) is moved away from the bottom (1, 1′).

The front wall (3) and the back wall (3′) comprise two panels (31) (as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) or multiple panels (31) (as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B) and hinging means (30, 30′) to hinge two adjacent panels (31, 31′).

The hinging means (30, 30′) are suitably configured in such a way that:

when each module is in the minimum volume configuration, the front wall and the back wall (3, 3′) are disposed in an idle position wherein the panels (31, 31′) are in overlapped parallel position;

when each module is in full volume configuration, the front wall and the back wall (3, 3′) are disposed in an operating position wherein the panels (31, 31′) are in coplanar position.

The front wall (3) and the back wall (3′) can be raised and lowered as an accordion.

The intermediate side (17) of the bottom of the front module is suitably for going in contact against the intermediate side (17′) of the bottom of the back module. No wall is connected in the intermediate sides (17, 17′) of the front module and of the back module in such a way that the prefabricated structure has a continuous space between the front wall (3) of the front module and the back wall (3′) of the back module.

The length of the bottom (1, 1′) of the front module and of the back module is suitable for being contained in a means of road transportation. So, the total length of the prefabricated structure obtained with a front module and a back module is twice the length of the bottom of each module.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 2C, advantageously, a horizontal intermediate wall (4) with a front side (41) and an intermediate side is provided in the front module, between the bottom (1) and the horizontal upper wall (2). A horizontal intermediate wall (4′) with an intermediate side and a back side (42) is provided in the back module, between the bottom (1′) and the horizontal upper wall (2′).

The horizontal intermediate wall (4) of the front module is connected to the front wall (3) by means of intermediate front hinging means (43) that connect the front wall (3) with the front side (41) of the intermediate horizontal wall (4).

The horizontal intermediate wall (4′) of the back module is connected to the back wall (3′) by means of intermediate back hinging means (43′) that connect the back wall (3′) with the back side (42) of the intermediate horizontal wall (4′).

The front wall (3) and the back wall (3′) comprise a lower portion that connects the bottoms (1, 1′) with the intermediate walls (4, 4′), and an upper portion that connects the intermediate walls (4, 4′) with the horizontal upper walls (2, 2′).

The horizontal intermediate walls (4, 4′) of the front module and of the back module provide an additional walking surface when the module is in full volume configuration.

Although in the embodiment of FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B and 2C each module has one intermediate wall (4, 4′), each module can have multiple intermediate walls.

In the prefabricated structures (P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5) of the embodiments from one to five, the front module and the back module comprise a right-hand lateral wall (5) with a right-hand fixed portion (51) that is fixed to the right-hand side (15, 15′) of the bottom and extends in orthogonal direction relative to the bottom, and a right-hand mobile portion (52) hinged to the right-hand fixed portion (51).

The front module and the back module comprise a left-hand lateral wall (5′) with a left-hand fixed portion (51′) that is fixed to the left-hand side (16, 16′) of the bottom and extends in orthogonal direction relative to the bottom, and a left-hand mobile portion (52′) hinged to the left-hand fixed portion (51′).

Each front module and each back module comprise:

right-hand hinging means (50) that connect the right-hand mobile portion (52) with the top of the right-hand fixed portion (51) and have an axis of rotation parallel to the right-hand side (15, 15′) of the bottom (1, 1′); and

left-hand hinging means (50′) that connect the left-hand mobile portion (52′) with the top of the left-hand fixed portion (51′) and have an axis of rotation parallel to the left-hand side (16, 16′) of the bottom.

The right-hand and the left-hand hinging means (50, 50′) are suitably configured to move the right-hand mobile portion (52) and the left-hand mobile portion (52′) between a folded position and an unfolded position.

The fixed portion (51, 51′) of the lateral walls (5, 5′) is connected to the bottom (1, 1′) by means of connection plates. Alternately, each fixed portion (51, 51′) of the lateral walls (5, 5′) can be obtained in one piece with the bottom (1, 1), in such a way to define a bottom structure with a substantially “C”-shape and upward concavity.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B and 1C, the right-hand and the left-hand hinging means (50, 50′) are configured in such a way that, when the mobile portions (52, 52′) are in folded position, the fixed portion (51, 51′) and the mobile portion (52, 52′) are disposed side by side in parallel position, whereas, when the mobile portions (52, 52′) are in unfolded position, the mobile portion (52, 52′) and the fixed portion (51, 51′) are disposed one on top of the other in coplanar position.

Otherwise said, the right-hand and the left-hand hinging means (50 ,50′) are suitably configured to rotate said mobile portion (52, 52′) relative to the fixed portion (51, 51′) by an angle of 180°.

In such a case, when the prefabricated structure (P1) is in full volume configuration, the lateral walls (5, 5′) of the front module and of the back module are the lateral walls of the prefabricated structure, whereas the horizontal upper walls (2) of the front module and of the back module are disposed between the free ends of the mobile portions (52, 52′), thus acting as roof for the prefabricated structure (P1).

With reference to FIG. 1 , the unfolding process of the prefabricated structure (P1) according to the first embodiment provides for positioning the bottoms (1, 1′) of the front module and of the back module on a supporting surface.

Then, the mobile portion (52, 52′) of each lateral wall (5, 5′) is rotated until it is coplanar to the fixed portion (51, 51′) whereto it is hinged, and then the right-hand hinging means (50) and the left-hand hinging means (50′) are blocked by means of suitable blocking mechanisms.

Successively, the horizontal upper surfaces (2, 2′) of the front module and of the back module are raised until they are brought between the free ends of the mobile portions (52, 52′) of the lateral walls (5, 5′). Finally, the front hinging means (30) and the back hinging means (30′) are blocked by means of suitable blocking mechanisms and the horizontal upper surfaces (2, 2′) are constrained to the mobile portions (52, 52′) of the lateral walls (5, 5′) by means of constraint means, such as brackets or suitable blocking and constraining means.

FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate a second embodiment of the prefabricated structure (P2) and a third embodiment of the prefabricated structure (P3). In each front module and back module of the prefabricated structures (P2, P3), each mobile portion (52, 52′) of the lateral walls is of folding type and comprises at least two panels (52 a, 52 b, 52 a′, 52 b′) comprising a first panel (52 a, 52 a′) hinged to the fixed portion (51, 51′) by means of right-hand hinging means (50) or left-hand hinging means (50′), and a second panel (52 b, 52 b′) hinged to the first panel (52 a, 52 a′) by means of mobile hinging means (53, 53′).

As shown in FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B, in the second embodiment of the prefabricated structure (P2), the right-hand hinging means (50), the left-hand hinging means (50′) and the mobile hinging means (53, 53′) are configured in such a way that:

when the mobile portions (52, 52′) of the lateral walls (5, 5′) are in folded position, the first panel (52 a, 52 a′) and the second panel (52 b, 52 b′) of the same mobile portion (52, 52′) are adjacent and parallel, in orthogonal position relative to the fixed portion (51, 51′);

when the mobile portions (52, 52′) of the lateral walls (5, 5′) are in unfolded position, the first panel (52 a, 52 a′) and the second panel (52 b, 52 b′) of the same mobile portion (52, 52′) are mutually coplanar and also coplanar to said fixed portion (51, 51′).

The right-hand and left-hand hinging means (50 ,50′) are suitably configured in such a way to rotate the first panel (52 a, 52 a′) of the right-hand or left-hand mobile portion (52, 52′) relative to the right-hand or left-hand fixed portion (51, 51′) by an angle of 90°, whereas the mobile hinging means (53, 53′) are suitably configured to rotate the second panel (52 b, 52 b′) of the mobile portion (52, 52′) relative to the first panel (52 a, 52 a′) of the same mobile portion (52, 52′) by 180°. In such a case, when the prefabricated structure (P2) is in full volume configuration, the fixed portion (51, 51′) and the mobile portion (52, 52′) of each lateral wall (5, 5′) define the lateral walls of the prefabricated structure (P2), whereas the horizontal upper walls (2, 2′) are the roof of the prefabricated structure (P2).

With reference to FIG. 1 , the unfolding process of the prefabricated structure (M2) according to the second embodiment provides for positioning the bottoms (1, 1′) of the front module and of the back module on a supporting surface.

Then, each first panel (52 a, 52 a′) of the mobile portions (52, 52′) is rotated until it is coplanar to the fixed portion (51, 51′) and the right-hand hinging means (50) and the left-hand hinging means (50′) are blocked by means of suitable blocking means. Now, the second panels (52 b, 52 b′) of the mobile portions (52, 52′) are rotated until they are coplanar to the first panels (52 a, 52 a′) and the mobile hinging means (53, 53′) are blocked by means of suitable blocking means.

Successively, the horizontal upper surfaces (2, 2′) are raised until they are brought between the free ends of the second panels (52 b, 52 b′) of the mobile portions (52, 52′). Finally, the front hinging means (30) and the back hinging means (30′) are blocked by means of suitable blocking mechanisms and the horizontal upper walls are constrained to the second panels (52 b, 52 b′) of the mobile portions (52, 52′) of the lateral walls (5, 5′) by means of brackets or suitable blocking and constraining means.

In the prefabricated structure (P3) of the third embodiment, which is shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B and 3C, the left-hand hinging means (50′), the right-hand hinging means (50) and the mobile hinging means (53, 53′) are configured in such a way that:

when the mobile portions (52, 52′) of the lateral walls (5, 5′) are in folded position, the first panel (52 a, 52 a′) and the second panel (52 b, 52 b′) of the mobile portion (52, 52′) are adjacent and parallel, in orthogonal position to the fixed portion (51, 51′);

when the mobile portions (52, 52′) of the lateral walls (5, 5′) are in unfolded position, the first panel (52 a, 52 a′) of the mobile portion (52, 52′) is disposed in coplanar position above the fixed portion (51, 51′), and the second panel (52 b, 52 b′) is perpendicular to the first panel (52 a, 52 a′).

The right-hand and left-hand hinging means (50 ,50′) are suitably configured to rotate the first panel (52 a, 52 a′) of the mobile portion (52, 52′) relative to the fixed portion (51, 51′) by an angle of 90°, whereas the mobile hinging means (53, 53′) are suitably configured to rotate the second panel (52 b, 52 b′) relative to the first panel (52 a, 52 a′) by 90°. In such a case, when the prefabricated structure (M3) is in full volume configuration, the fixed portion (51, 51′) of the lateral walls (5, 5′) and the first panel (52 a, 52 a′) of the mobile portion (52, 52′) of the lateral walls (5, 5′) are the lateral walls of the prefabricated structure (P3), whereas the second panels (52 b, 52 b′) of the mobile portion (52, 52′) of the lateral walls (5, 5′) are the roof of the prefabricated structure (P3). Moreover, the horizontal upper walls (2, 2′) are the intermediate level that divides the prefabricated structure (P3) in vertical direction.

The front module (M3) of the prefabricated structure (P3) of the third embodiment comprises a folding upper front side (7) comprising hinging means (70) for connection to the front side (21) of the horizontal upper wall (2), said hinging means (70) having an axis of rotation parallel to the front side (21) of the horizontal upper wall (2).

The back module (M3′) of the prefabricated structure (P3) of the third embodiment comprises a folding upper back side (7′) comprising hinging means (70′) for connection to the back side (22) of the horizontal upper wall (2), said hinging means (70′) having an axis of rotation parallel to the back side (22) of the horizontal upper wall (2).

Each upper side (7, 7′) can be constrained to the second panels and/or to the first panels of the two mobile portions (52, 52′) by means of brackets or suitable blocking and constraining means (V).

With reference to FIG. 3 , the unfolding process of the prefabricated structure (M3) according to the third embodiment provides for positioning the bottoms (1, 1′) of the front module and of the back module on a supporting surface.

Then, the first panel (52 a, 52 a′) of each mobile portion (52, 52′) is rotated until it is coplanar to the fixed portion (51, 51′) of the lateral wall (5, 5′) and the right-hand hinging means (50) and the left-hand hinging means (50′) are blocked by means of suitable blocking means. Then, each second panel (52 b, 52 b′) is rotated until it is perpendicular to the first panel (52 a, 52 a′) whereto it is hinged, and the mobile hinging means (53, 53′) are blocked by means of suitable blocking means.

Successively, the upper sides and the horizontal upper walls are raised until the horizontal upper walls (2, 2′) are brought to the maximum height and the upper sides (7, 7′) are fastened to the second panels.

Finally, the lower hinging means (13, 13′), the upper hinging means (23, 23′) and the hinging means (30, 30′) of the front wall (3) and of the back wall (3′) are blocked by means of suitable blocking mechanisms and the front upper side (7) and the back upper side (7′) are constrained to the mobile portions (52, 52′) of the lateral walls.

FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B illustrate a fourth embodiment of the prefabricated structure (P4), wherein the front module (M4) and the back module (M4′) comprise an intermediate element (6) that connects the left-hand mobile portion (52′) and the right-hand mobile portion (52). The intermediate element (6) comprises a first side (61) and a second side (62).

The intermediate element (6) is suitable for defining a sloping roof of the prefabricated structure (P4), when the prefabricated structure (P4) is in full volume configuration. The intermediate element (6) is hinged to the right-hand mobile portion (52) by means of first hinging means (651) that hinge the first side (61) of the intermediate element (6) to the right-hand mobile portion (52) and also hinged to the left-hand mobile portion (52′) by means of second hinging means (652) that connect the second side (62) of the intermediate element (6) to the left-hand mobile portion (52′).

Preferably, in the prefabricated structure (P4) of the fourth embodiment, each front and back module (M4, M4′) has the following characteristics:

the right-hand fixed portion (51) and the left-hand fixed portion (52) have different heights;

the right-hand and left-hand hinging means (50, 50′) are suitably configured in such a way that, when the lateral walls (5, 5′) are in folded position, the planar mobile portions (52, 52′) are disposed orthogonally to the planar fixed portions (51, 51′); and

the first and second hinging means (651, 652) are configured in such a way that, when the lateral walls (5, 5′) are in folded position, the intermediate element (6) is disposed between the two planar mobile portions (52, 52′).

Also in this case, as in the case of the prefabricated structure (P3) of the third embodiment, the front and the back module (M4, M4′) are provided with the folding upper front sides and the folding upper back sides. Also in this case, the folding upper front sides and the folding upper back sides can be constrained to the intermediate element (6) and/or to the mobile portions (52, 52′) by means of brackets or suitable locking and constraining means.

The peculiarity of the prefabricated structure (P4) of the fourth embodiment is that it can have different shapes, varying the length of the mobile portions (52, 52′) and of the intermediate element (6) and varying the opening angle of the mobile portions (52, 52′) in order to meet all technical or aesthetic requirements.

With reference to FIG. 4 , the unfolding process of the prefabricated structure (P4) provides for positioning the bottoms (1, 1′) of the front module and of the back module on a supporting surface.

The right-hand mobile portion (52) is rotated relative to the right-hand fixed portion (52) around the right-hand hinging means (50), consequently unfolding the intermediate element (6) and the left-hand mobile portion (52′). Then, the left-hand hinging means (50′), the right-hand hinging means (50), the first hinging means (651) and the second hinging means (652) are blocked by means of blocking mechanisms.

Successively, the upper sides and the horizontal upper walls are raised until the horizontal upper surfaces are at the maximum height.

Finally, the lower hinging means (13, 13′), the upper hinging means (23, 23′) and the hinging means (30, 30′) of the front wall (3) and of the back wall (3′) are blocked by means of suitable blocking mechanisms and the front upper side (7) and the back upper side (7′) are constrained to the mobile portions (52, 52′) and/or to the intermediate element (6).

FIG. 5 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the prefabricated structure (P5). In each front and back module (M5, M5′) the fixed portions (51, 51′) of the two lateral walls (5, 5′) have a different height, the mobile portions (52, 52′) are not foldable and the right-hand hinging means (50) and the left-hand hinging means (50′) are configured in such a way that:

when the mobile portions (52, 52′) are in folded position, each mobile portion (52, 52′) is disposed orthogonally to the fixed portion (51, 51′);

when the mobile portions (52, 52′) are in unfolded position, the mobile portions (52, 52′) converge and define a vertex (W).

More precisely, the two converging mobile portions (52, 52′) define the roof of the prefabricated structure (P5) when the mobile portions (52, 52′) are in unfolded position. In such a case, each front and back module (M5, M5′) comprises constraint means (not shown in the appended figures) that are disposed at the free end (D, D′) of each mobile portion (52, 52′), and are configured in such a way to mutually constrain the two mobile portions (52, 52′) in the vertex (W) when the two mobile portions (52, 52′) are in unfolded position.

Preferably, the right-hand mobile portion (52) comprises guides (521) disposed on the internal side (520) and the left-hand mobile portion (52′) comprises slides (522) disposed at the free end (D′) that cooperate with the guides (521). The slides (522) are slidingly mounted on the guides (521) in such a way to slide on the guides when the mobile portions (52, 52′) are moved between the folded position and the unfolded position.

The front and the back modules (M5, M5′) are respectively provided with said folding upper front sides (7) and said folding upper back sides.

With reference to FIG. 5 , the opening of the prefabricated structure (P5) according to the fifth embodiment of the invention provides for positioning the bottoms (1, 1′) of the front and of the back module on a supporting base and for raising the left-hand mobile portion (52′). Such a raising movement determines the raising movement and the rotation of the right-hand mobile lateral wall (52) and the sliding movement of the slides along the guides until the two free ends (D, D′) of the mobile portions define said vertex (W). The raising of the left-hand mobile portion (52′) and of the right-hand mobile portion (52) is performed by means of a hoisting machine provided with a rope fastened to a fastening plate connected to the left-hand mobile portion (52′).

Then, the two free ends (D, D′) are blocked by means of said constraining means and the horizontal upper walls (2, 2′) and the upper front and back sides of the two modules are lifted.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a prefabricated structure (P6) of a sixth embodiment and a prefabricated structure (P7) of a seventh embodiment. The two prefabricated structures (P6, P7) comprise a front module and a back module.

The modules (M6, M6′, M7, M7′) of the prefabricated structures of FIGS. 6 and 7 provide that only one of said lateral walls (5, 5′), namely the right-hand lateral wall (5), comprises the mobile portion (52) of folding type, whereas the other lateral wall, namely the left-hand lateral wall (5′), only comprises the fixed portion (51).

In particular, each module (M6, M6′, M7, M7′) of the prefabricated structure (P6, P7) of the sixth and the seventh embodiment comprises:

a right-hand lateral wall (5) comprising the right-hand fixed portion (51) and the right-hand mobile portion (52) comprising the first panel (52 a) hinged to the right-hand fixed portion (51) and the second panel (52 b) hinged to the first panel (52 a);

a left-hand lateral wall (5′) only comprising the left-hand fixed portion (51′);

right-hand fixed hinging means (50) to connect the first panel (52 a) of the right-hand mobile portion (52) to the right-hand fixed portion (51);

mobile hinging means (53) to connect the second panel (52 b) to the first panel (52 a) of the right-hand mobile portion (52).

In such a case, the right-hand fixed hinging means (50) and the mobile hinging means (53) are configured in such a way to move the right-hand mobile portion (52) between:

a folded position, wherein the first panel (52 a) and the second panel (52 b) of the right-hand mobile portion (52) are adjacent and parallel, in orthogonal position relative to the fixed portion (51):

an unfolded position, wherein the first panel (52 a) and the second panel (52 b) of the right-hand mobile portion (52) diverge and define a vertex (W) in correspondence of the mobile hinging means (53); in said unfolded position, the second panel (52 b) is connected to the left-hand fixed portion (51′).

The connection of the second panel (52 b) to the left-hand fixed portion (51′) is obtained by means of suitable constraining means (not shown in the appended figures) disposed at the free end (L) of the second panel (52 b) and on the top edge (S) of the left-hand fixed portion (51′).

The first panel (52 a) and the second panel (52 b) define a sloping roof of the prefabricated structure (P6, P7).

Also in this case, the front and back module (M6, M6′, M7, M7′) of the prefabricated structure (P6, P7) of the sixth and seventh embodiment are provided with folding upper front sides (7) and folding upper back sides (7).

Advantageously, each module (M6, M6′, M7 M7′) of the prefabricated structure of the sixth and seventh embodiment also comprises fastening means (not shown in the appended figures) that are disposed between the first panel (52 a) and the second panel (52 b) and are suitable for being fastened by hoisting machines in order to lift the two panels (52a and 52 b).

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the modules (M6, M6′, M7, M7′) of the prefabricated structures of the sixth and seventh embodiment differ in the position of the mobile hinging means (53).

In particular, in the modules (M6, M6′) of the prefabricated structure (P6) of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the mobile hinging means (53) are disposed in the external sides of the two panels (52 a, 52 b), whereas in the modules (M7, M7′) of the prefabricated structure (P7) of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the mobile hinging means (53) are disposed in the internal sides of the two panels (52 a, 52 b).

Such a different position of the mobile hinging means (53) requires two different maneuvers in order to unfold the prefabricated structures (P6, P7).

In particular, in order to unfold the prefabricated structure (P6) of FIG. 6 , it is necessary to:

overturn the second panel (52 b) completely by an angle of approximately 180°;

lift the two panels (52 a, 52 b) from the fastening means;

constrain the free end (L) of the second panel (52 b) to the top edge (S) of the left-hand fixed portion (S) by means of the constraining means.

In order to unfold the prefabricated structure (P7) of FIG. 7 , it is necessary to:

lift the two panels (52 a, 52 b) of the mobile portion (52) from the fastening means;

rotate the second panel (52 b) relative to the first panel (52 a);

constrain the free end (L) of the second panel (52 b) to the top edge (S) of the left-hand fixed portion (51′) by means of the constraining means.

In the prefabricated structure (P6) of the sixth embodiment and in the prefabricated structure (P7) of the seventh embodiment, after constraining and blocking the panels (52 a, 52 b), the horizontal upper wall (2) and the upper front and back sides are lifted. Finally, the upper front and back sides are constrained to the panels (52 a, 52 b) of the right-hand mobile portion (52) by means of suitable constraining means.

Although in FIGS. 6 and 7 the right-hand lateral wall comprises the folding mobile portion, and the left-hand lateral wall only comprises the fixed portion, the position of the right-hand lateral wall and of the left-hand lateral wall can be inverted.

Although not shown in the appended figures, the prefabricated structure (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7) also comprises foundation screws with connection plates that are fixed by means of fixing means (such as for example screws and the like) to the bottoms (1, 1′) of the front and back module. During the installation of the prefabricated structure (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7), the foundation screws are firstly screwed onto the ground and then the bottom is fixed to the connection plates of the foundation screws.

Advantageously, one or more intermediate modules (not shown in the appended figures) can be disposed between the front module and the back module in such a way to extend the prefabricated structure along an orthogonal direction relative to the front and back wall.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment not shown in the appended figures, the module may be devoid of the horizontal upper wall (2), thus defining a module with only one level defined by the bottom (1). In such a case, the roof will be defined by the mobile portions (52, 52′) and/or by the intermediate element (6).

Doors, windows, balconies, terraces and the like can be mounted on the modular compactable prefabricated structure.

Moreover, insulating panels, solar panels, electrical installations, water systems, gutters, seals to guarantee the tightness between two adjacent structural elements, etc. can be installed on the modular compactable prefabricated structure. 

1. Modular compactable prefabricated structure comprising a front module and a back module of folding type; the front module comprises: a quadrangular bottom comprising a front side, an intermediate side, a right-hand side and a left-hand side; and a folding front wall hinged to the front side of the bottom of the front module by means of hinging means; the back module comprises: a quadrangular bottom comprising a back side, an intermediate side, a right-hand side and a left-hand side; and a folding back wall hinged to the back side of the bottom of the back module by means of hinging means; wherein the intermediate side of the bottom of the front module is suitable for going in contact with the intermediate side of the bottom of the back module and no wall is connected in the intermediate sides of the front module and of the back module in such a way that the prefabricated structure has a continuous space between the front wall and the back wall.
 2. The prefabricated structure of claim 1, wherein the front module and the back module comprise two lateral walls connected to the bottom wherein each lateral wall of each module has a fixed portion fixed to the bottom wherein at least one lateral wall of said two lateral walls has a mobile portion hinged to the fixed portion by means of hinging means.
 3. The prefabricated structure of claim 2, wherein each lateral wall of each module comprises the fixed portion and the mobile portion.
 4. The prefabricated structure of claim 3, wherein said mobile portion of the lateral wall comprises two panels hinged by means of mobile hinging means.
 5. The prefabricated structure of claim 4, wherein the two lateral walls of each module has a mobile portion hinged to the fixed portion by means of right-hand and left-hand hinging means and the two mobile portions of the lateral walls comprise two panels hinged by means of said mobile hinging means.
 6. The prefabricated structure of claim 1, wherein the front module comprises a horizontal upper wall connected by means of hinges to the front wall of the front module, and the back module comprises a horizontal upper wall connected by means of hinges to the back wall of the back module.
 7. The prefabricated structure of claim 6, wherein the front module comprises a horizontal intermediate wall connected by means of hinges to the front wall of the front module, and the back module comprises a horizontal intermediate wall connected by means of hinges to the back wall of the back module.
 8. The prefabricated structure of claim 6, wherein the front module comprises a folding upper front side connected to the horizontal upper wall of the front module, and the back module comprises a folding upper front side connected to the horizontal upper wall of the back module.
 9. The prefabricated structure of claim 3, wherein each front and back module also comprises an intermediate element connected to the two mobile portions of the two lateral walls of each module.
 10. The prefabricated structure of claim 3, wherein the fixed portions of the two lateral walls of each module have different heights.
 11. The prefabricated structure of claim 3, wherein the mobile portion of one of the two lateral walls of each module comprises guides disposed on an internal side of the mobile portion and the mobile portion of the other lateral wall of each module comprises slides disposed at a free end of the mobile portion that cooperate with the guides. 